OCInsomniac said:
And I suppose you agree with him that the 4.3 RAV is NOT to be recommended??
If I may, I'd like to say something here for everyone's consideration. It seems that we're getting into a situation on this site where everyone is a bit defensive over their choices and as such, there is apparently the tendency to go on the offensive every time a countering opinion is offered.
Rav4world didn't used to be that way until the introduction of the 4.3 and the injection of several new people who seem to take the defensive posture.
For the record, when I say "I do not like the 2006 RAV4", I'm simply expressing my honest opinion. I have no intentions of trolling, nor do I intend to offend my fellow readers. I realize that some of you (the original poster included) may naturally take offense that I agree -- for the most part -- with the opinions of that reviewer.
Perhaps the better part of valor is that I should simply have said nothing and "let it go", but I can't for one simple reason. I am not wishing the 4.3 was another "clone" of the 4.2, but I am honestly hoping that Toyota will actually listen to some of us when we cry out for the availability of some of the 4.2's character-lending options (such as the hood scoop amongst other things)...
Hoping that, in 2008/9 (the 4.3 is technically a 2007 model), they'll consider adding a few options, such as the hood scoop and/or the ground effects package or rims that we've seen on a few of those gorgeous concept vehicles.
{soapbox}
For bleep's sake Toyota.... Give us back the TRD aspect of our Toyotas and stop thinking that the only people who want such things would be fine buying an xB or tC (we're not). While you're at it Toyota, stop telling us what we want and at least give us the OPTION of adding a Navigation system and other goodies that your competitors don't take forgranted. The lack of a NAV option alone might keep me from buying a newer RAV4.
Sorry... Too much caffeine today

{/soapbox}